Tongue Tie! UPDATE

[Karate Kid]

So after four weeks of Cassius not latching to my left breast at all and us having an utter battle of wills with latching to the right. I have managed to get someone to listen to me about TT!

I have spoken to every MW and HV I have seen.... They were all adamant that Cassius does not have TT. We went to a Coffee morning today and one of the breast feeding counsellors confirmed my suspicions.... I burst into floods of tears due to sheer relief!!

I have managed to keep my supply up due to expressing at all hours and lots of skin to skin.... When he does latch to the right breast he latches OK and it is not painful but it is a screaming match and so distressing for us both. I have been pumping and bottle feeding.

Has anyone had a successful experience with getting TT dieted and being able to BF??

Xx

 

[pinkyprincess]

Don't want to r&r but you are doing an AMAZING job so far!

There was someone on here (can't remember who) who fed for 6 weeks with TT before getting it cut. I'm sure she'll be along soon

 

[MrsT2011]

I think Kanga had this with her LO - I'm sure if you pm'd her she could help x

 

[KarenC]

Aw, bless you, hun! You've done so well so far. Yeah, I think it was Kanga xxx

 

[kanga86]

Hey Hun, just replied to ur pm, but seen u have answered some of my questions here lol

U are doing amazingly well to keep up ur supply when u are struggling so much to get him to latch on. Once Harry had his TT cut the difference was immediate, I could feel that he latched on better, it still hurt but that was because my nipples were so sore. My right side has always been the worst and we still have a few uses with staying latched on now, it's no where near as bad. Think he is still adjusting to being able to move his tongue around.

I would definitely recommend to have his TT cut, and I really hope u get an appt soon and tha it makes feeding so much better for u xxx

 

[Karate Kid]

Hey Hun, just replied to ur pm, but seen u have answered some of my questions here lol

U are doing amazingly well to keep up ur supply when u are struggling so much to get him to latch on. Once Harry had his TT cut the difference was immediate, I could feel that he latched on better, it still hurt but that was because my nipples were so sore. My right side has always been the worst and we still have a few uses with staying latched on now, it's no where near as bad. Think he is still adjusting to being able to move his tongue around.

I would definitely recommend to have his TT cut, and I really hope u get an appt soon and tha it makes feeding so much better for u xxx

Thank you sweets, I have replied to your PM xx

 

[FirstBabyEek]

I don't have any advice hun but just wanted to say how impressed I am that you've done so well and I can only imagine the relief you felt when your suspicions where confirmed. Such an awesome Mummy you are xxxx

 

[Karate Kid]

Feel like I have been through the wars this week. After being referred we got an appointment for Tuesday.... Went to the hospital only to be told by four MWs that it 'definately was not tounge tie and the NCT BF counsellor did not have a clue'.... I phoned the counsellor up and she toldme this has happened to 6 of her referrals to date, they are not skilled enough to handle certain types of Tounge tie.

I was in bits, didn't know who to believe, but my intincts wanted another opinion.... The only way was to go private. So yesterday a former MW trained in dealing with TT came to our house. Confirmed Cassius had a 40 to 50% TT and she was shocked that it had but been picked up! Cassius had the TT sniped, simple procedure and very few tears and hardly any blood loss.

He went straight on to my right breast and fed, I could feel the deference, a far stronger sucking action.... Only thing is he is yet again refusing the breast and cleary has an aversion to it.

Sounds stupid but I feel like my baby boy hates me and doesn't want to be close to me. I don't know what to do anymore, weather to keep offering him the breast in the hope that he will latch or to just continue pumping away??

I wonder what the BFing rates are in this area because the lack of knowledge and support is shocking!!

Sorry for the rant xx

 

[KarenC]

What a horrible time you've had, sweetie. Glad his tongue tie has been sorted and well done to you for being so determined.

Maybe he's still refusing the breast because he is associating it with the difficult times you've had trying to get him to latch. Of course he doesn't hate you!!! I know it can feel like that sometimes, but you're his mummy and he loves you unconditionally - it's just that things have been tough for you both and he's a bit unsure. I would keep offering it to him as long as it doesn't turn into a wrestling match. He may eventually take it.

I'm sure there are other ladies here who could advise better. Just want to send you big hugs. You're doing brilliantly.
xxx

 

[pinkyprincess]

I'd suggest adding 'dispelling breastfeeding myths' on Facebook and ask those ladies because they are absolutely amazing!

I would be inclined to carry on offering the breast first because he's now learning how to do it all over again after (I assume) suckling on a bottle which is easier. Do the TT people not give any after support?

You are doing such an amazing job and have come so far! You're doing so well!

 

[FirstBabyEek]

Great news that the TT has been sorted, well done you for being so persistent in your efforts to get it resolved, brilliant Mummy.

Karen mentioned that she's adopting a 'finish at the breast' method of feeding with Tilly - completely nicking her idea here, but have you thought about giving him 2oz in a bottle first to stay his immediate hunger then latching him on to you? Once his confidence grows in being on you then you could reduce the bottle amount and then take it away completely, might only take a week or so?

Just a thought xxxx

 

[kanga86]

well done hun on finally getting it done and trusting ur instincts - its far better than any doc! I noticed a difference straight away too. I would keep offering the breast too, cos hopefully once he realises its easier to do now he will latch on. Keep on persevering with it, u are doping a fab job and ur lil boy doesn't hate for it. xx

 

[KarenC]

Great news that the TT has been sorted, well done you for being so persistent in your efforts to get it resolved, brilliant Mummy.

Karen mentioned that she's adopting a 'finish at the breast' method of feeding with Tilly - completely nicking her idea here, but have you thought about giving him 2oz in a bottle first to stay his immediate hunger then latching him on to you? Once his confidence grows in being on you then you could reduce the bottle amount and then take it away completely, might only take a week or so?

Just a thought xxxx

Yup, that's what I'm doing and have done since very early on. I'm still offering just 2oz by bottle and then breast afterwards. She's actually showing a preference for boob now and sometimes fights me when I offer bottle first, the little madam. Maybe give it a go? It won't hurt to try, and like FBE says, he'll be not as hungry when you offer the boob so might be more relaxed? That said, Tilly is still starving after her 2oz bottle and whines until I get my titty out. I haven't weaned her off the bottle to purely breast because she's a bit lazy and fussy on the breast and I want her to get all the hindmilk, hence expressing after a feed and then giving it to her by bottle at later feeds.

There are loads of things you might try yet, hun. See if you can find something that works for you xxxxx

 

[Karate Kid]

Thanks for your support ladies, I think because we have been through so much with the whole breast feeding issue I don't feel strong enough mentally. I think I will I just need to realise that it is not my fault.

Pinkyprincess- because we went private we would have to pay for support but the NCT lady is willing to help.

FBE and Karen- I am going to try the finish at the breast method. I normally offer him a tiny bit of expressed milk in a bottle but I may try finger feeding to wean him off the bottle now....

We will get there! I have never been one to give up easily Cx

 

[pinkyprincess]

Good on you! You are doing amazing, and remember we're all on here to moan to. You've come so far and you will get through this!

 

[FirstBabyEek]

Incredibly proud of your efforts Hun, we all are xxxxxx

 

[Karate Kid]

Thank you so much ladies xx